Dentures in Woodbridge, VA
Having missing teeth is common. And if you have missing teeth, you’re probably looking for an inexpensive way to restore your smile. If that sounds like you, your dentist in Woodbridge, VA, might recommend dentures.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable dental prosthetics that are designed to replace your missing teeth. Complete sets of dentures can replace an entire arch of missing teeth for your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. Partial dentures replace a few of your missing teeth.
What Are Dentures Made Of?
Dentures in Woodbridge, VA, are made from various materials, such as porcelain, acrylic, resin, metal, or nylon.
The Different Types of Dentures Explained
There are several different types of dentures available. With the help of your dentist, you can decide which is right for you.
Full Dentures
Full dentures replace an entire arch (upper, lower, or both) of teeth. They sit on the top side of your gums. And they use your gums and the roof of your mouth, along with an oral adhesive to keep them in place.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are similar to full dentures, except they only replace a few missing teeth instead of an entire arch. Partial dentures also sit on the top side of your gums, but they use special clasps designed to hook around neighboring natural teeth to hold them in place.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are temporary dentures. They are worn just after your teeth have been removed. The purpose of immediate dentures is to enable you to eat while your mouth heals from the extraction process. You will wear these until your mouth has healed and is ready for your permanent dentures.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures use dental implants to hold your dentures in place. Dental implants are made up of tiny titanium screws/posts that are inserted into your jawbone. Over time, bone grows around that implant. Once healed, the dentist will add an abutment to the implant and then place your dentures on that to hold them in place. Dental implants are permanent.
The Benefits of Wearing Dentures
If you are still not convinced that dentures are right for you, here are some of the benefits that come with opting to wear dentures versus not replacing your missing teeth.
- They will restore your ability to chew.
- No more diet restrictions because you can’t chew.
- Prevents your face from sinking in. If you don’t replace your missing teeth, the muscles in your face will begin to sag, causing your face and lips to sink into your mouth.
- If you have a few remaining teeth, partial dentures will help prevent extra wear and tear on them because the chewing forces will be more evenly distributed.
- Dentures are removable, so they are extremely easy to clean.
- Missing teeth causes speech issues. Dentures restore your ability to speak properly.
- Dentures look like natural teeth.
- Dentures are a cost-effective way to replace missing teeth.
Are Dentures Comfortable?
Just like anything new, it will take time for you to adjust to your new teeth. It takes a few weeks or so for your facial muscles, cheeks, and tongue to adapt and learn how to keep your dentures in place.
Initially, you might experience some minor irritation, and they might even be a little sore for a while. You might also experience more saliva flow when you first start wearing your dentures. However, all of those issues will subside after your mouth adjusts. After 30 days or so, you will start to notice your dentures less as they begin to feel like a natural part of your mouth.
How to Eat When You Have Dentures
Until you get used to your new dentures in Woodbridge, VA, there are a few things you can do until you learn how to eat with them. Chew slowly and evenly. It might also help to cut your food into small bites. Be careful when drinking hot liquids. Dentures have an insulating quality that can keep you from realizing just how hot something is until it’s too late. So, take small sips at first.
Tough foods and meats might need to be cooked (stewed or use a slow cooker) so they are softer and easier to eat. In addition, sticky foods such as berries, peanut butter, or candy can become trapped under your dentures. This could cause your gums to become irritated or result in an infection. So, be mindful of what you’re eating.
Learning to Speak with Your New Dentures
It could take a few weeks to a month for you to get used to speaking with your new dentures. You can practice reading out loud. Doing so will help strengthen your mouth and jaw muscles, making your speech more fluid.
Should Dentures Be Worn 24 Hours a Day?
You should not remove your dentures for the first 24 hours after getting them. This will give your gums time to heal. However, after that, you should not wear your dentures for more than 16-18 hours each day. This will give your gums and jaws time to rest. In addition, you should not wear your dentures while you’re sleeping.
